All posts by admin

People with Nut Allergies can Early Board American Airlines Flights

Traveling is hard enough, but when you have nut allergies it can be near impossible. An estimated 15 million Americans have nut allergies and American Airlines Group Inc., is implementing a new policy that will allow people with nut allergies to board early.

Starting December 12, 2018 people with nut allergies have the option to board early in order to allow suffers extra time to wipe down their area that’s potential exposure to allergens. The move comes after objections were made by passenger whose son has a deadly life-threatening peanut allergy.

 

Photo Courtesy of American Airlines

 

“American Airlines customers with nut allergies who would like to board our flights early to wipe down surfaces may ask to do so at the gate,” said American Airlines spokeswoman Michelle Mohr, CNN states.

“I certainly understand the deep, deep concern people have, especially parents with young children,” Mohr said. Mohr herself suffers from a severe nut allergy and carries an EpiPen.

The Food Allergy Research & Education filed complaints over the issue Bloomberg News reports and in a filing with the U.S. Transportation Department the airline stated it would start the new change when the when their in-flight manuals are updated next month.  While the airline hasn’t served peanuts in years, they still cannot guarantee that passengers with nut allergies won’t be exposed to items containing nuts since customers are welcome to bring on board their own snacks.

 

Photo Courtesy of American Airlines

 

American Airlines isn’t the only carrier who will provide this service to travelers. Delta does allow those with nut allergies to pre-board and when notified in advance the airline will not serve peanuts or related food items on specific flights.

SouthWest doesn’t allow people with food allergies to board early, however they stopped serving peanuts on all flights this summer.

 /   /   /   /     / /   /    
Leave a comment

Baby2Baby Honors Amy Adams for her Charitable Work with Kids

CULVER CITY, CA – NOVEMBER 10: Amy Adams attends the 2018 Baby2Baby Gala Presented by Paul Mitchell at 3LABS on November 10, 2018 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)
Baby2Baby brought together Hollywood heavy-hitters, business leaders and influencers across a wide range of industries at the “2018 Baby2Baby Gala Presented by Paul Mitchell.” The seventh annual Gala raised more than 4.3 million dollars to support its work providing low-income children with all the basic necessities that every child deserves. To date, the organization has distributed over 50 million items to children living in poverty.

Baby2Baby honored Amy Adams with the “Giving Tree Award,” which the organization awards annually to a mother who uses her position in the public eye to advocate on behalf of children living in poverty. Past honorees include Jessica Alba, Jennifer Garner, Kerry Washington, Drew Barrymore, Kate Hudson, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

 

CULVER CITY, CA – NOVEMBER 10: Jessica Alba attends the 2018 Baby2Baby Gala Presented by Paul Mitchell at 3LABS on November 10, 2018 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

In a moving acceptance speech, Adams opened by acknowledging the devastating fires currently burning across California, “I’d like to take a moment to send my thoughts to those affected by the fire. It’s such a reminder of the importance of an organization like Baby2Baby, who has already provided essentials to evacuation shelters for children in need.” Adams continued, “You never know when an act of generosity will create a moment of great change. I myself have been a recipient of so much generosity. It was through the generosity of strangers that I learned the importance of giving.”

CULVER CITY, CA – NOVEMBER 10: Honoree Amy Adams speaks onstage at the 2018 Baby2Baby Gala Presented by Paul Mitchell at 3LABS on November 10, 2018 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

The evening kicked off with a video segment featuring Tiffany Haddish. Baby2Baby Board Members and Gala Chairs Jessica Alba and Kelly Rowland thanked the evening’s sponsors and introduced Baby2Baby Co-presidents Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein. Zoe Saldana gave an inspiring speech and introduced Busy Philipps and Julie Bowen who helped raise more than 4.3 million dollars from the stage during the giving presentation. The organization honored Amy Adams for her support of Baby2Baby and ongoing dedication to children in need. Sam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson presented Adams with the “Giving Tree Award”.

 

CULVER CITY, CA – NOVEMBER 10: Zoe Saldana attends the 2018 Baby2Baby Gala Presented by Paul Mitchell at 3LABS on November 10, 2018 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

Additional guests included Katy Perry, Kobe Bryant, Zooey Deschanel, Jennifer Garner, Jenna Dewan, Zoe Saldana, Kelly Rowland, Olivia Wilde, Ali Wong, Rachel Zoe, Sterling K. Brown, Leslie Mann, Judd Apatow, Olivia Munn, Jordana Brewster, Ryan Tedder, Sam Worthington, Rachel Bilson, Kat Dennings, Ayesha Curry, Johnny Knoxville, Lauren Conrad, Nate Berkus, Jeremiah Brent, Shiri Appleby and many more.

 

CULVER CITY, CA – NOVEMBER 10: (L-R) Baby2Baby Founder Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Mase, and Katy Perry at the 2018 Baby2Baby Gala Presented by Paul Mitchell at 3LABS on November 10, 2018 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

Over the past seven years, Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein have led the organization through a complete transformation from a grassroots organization into a nationally recognized non-profit serving hundreds of thousands of children living in poverty every year across the country. During the evening, Sawyer Patricof and Weinstein reflected on the past year and the impact the non-profit has had on the low-income children the organization serves.

 

 

“We provide basic essentials to these children because all children deserve these things. When their basic needs are met, families can keep their lights on, pay their rent, get back to work, and get back on their feet. It’s a lifeline that gives them hope,” said Sawyer Patricof and Weinstein in an empowering speech. “We don’t judge what happened — because when we get to these innocent children, they are wearing dirty diapers and sleeping on the floor and to us, it doesn’t matter why — just how we can change it.”

 

 

CULVER CITY, CA – NOVEMBER 10: (L-R) Vinny Dotolo, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Jon Shook, and Norah Weinstein attend the 2018 Baby2Baby Gala Presented by Paul Mitchell at 3LABS on November 10, 2018 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

Through the organization’s Disaster Relief & Emergency Response program, Baby2Baby has been able to quickly respond the series of devastating events that have hit the country in the past year, including the hurricanes in the Carolinas and Florida, and children separated from their families. Baby2Baby is currently collecting and distributing high-need items for the children displaced by the fires burning across Northern & Southern California. To date, the organization has distributed over 6.4 million basic essentials to children affected by natural disasters and emergency situations.

 

 

CULVER CITY, CA – NOVEMBER 10: (L-R) Jenna Dewan, Jessica Alba, and Olivia Munn attend the 2018 Baby2Baby Gala Presented by Paul Mitchell at 3LABS on November 10, 2018 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

Designed by Los Angeles’ top event producer, Yifat Oren of Oren Co, the evening featured a backdrop created by Los Angeles painter Jennifer Guidi. The culinary-rich event curated by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo of Animal, Son of a Gun and Jon & Vinny’s, brought together Los Angeles’ best chefs and culinary talent including: Burritos La Palma, Craig’s, Felix, Jon & Vinny’s, Kazunori, Lucques, Majordomo, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Milk Bar, Nomad, Petty Cash Taqueria, Rossoblu, Shake Shack, Son of a Gun, Trudy’s Underground BBQ, Wexler’s Deli and more.

 

 

CULVER CITY, CA – NOVEMBER 10: Kelly Rowland attends the 2018 Baby2Baby Gala Presented by Paul Mitchell at 3LABS on November 10, 2018 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

Baby2Baby supporter Wiz Khalifa welcomed Grammy nominated artist MA$E who brought down the house with an incredible performance before the A-list stars made their way to the “Jon & Vinny’s Afterparty”, DJ’d by Wiz Khalifa followed by Samantha Ronson. The event and afterparty featured custom cocktails from Marc Rose and Med Abrous’ critically acclaimed hotspot, The Spare Room.

Before the dinner, guests mingled during the cocktail reception where an incredible silent auction took place featuring a CHANEL Paris Fashion Week experience, a Golden State Warriors and Kevin Durant meet-and-greet, a Los Angeles Dodgers first pitch experience, a Presidential stay at Montage Los Cabos and many more one-of-a-kind experiences.

For more information on the organization please visit http://baby2baby.org/

Leave a comment

SOUTH AFRICA

COUNTRY INFORMATION

Apartheid, which means “separateness” in Afrikaans (a language derived from the Dutch), was a system of racial segregation in South Africa that was legally enforced by the National Party government from 1948 to 1994. However, the injustice and mistreatment of non-whites in South Africa had been occurring since the colonial times under Dutch rule.

For decades South African law divided people into four categories: Africans (black), whites, coloreds (mixed ethnicities), and Asians. The National Party determined who each group could marry, where they could live, work and level of education they were allowed to receive.

The severe inequality not only sparked increased uprisings and protests, but led political activist Nelson Mandela to respond violently at times to take action in ending apartheid.

The former South African president was instrumental in abolishing racial oppression and inspired a dived nation to reconcile, however, the country is still a long ways from overcoming the extreme brutality that was forced upon so many of its people. Tensions between the once disjoined groups still exist and millions are currently unemployed leaving an alarming amount of citizens in terrible poverty.

Volunteers are greatly needed in health care—South Africa has a high amount of people living with HIV/AIDS, empowering women—many are victims of domestic violence and preserving the environment and wildlife.

If you’ve volunteered in South Africa we’d love to hear about your experience. Please let us know which organization you signed up with, what your trip was like and if you’d recommend the program to others.

Leave a comment

Refugee Volunteering Opportunities in Greece

Although the refugee crisis in Greece isn’t dominating headlines anymore, it’s an ongoing serious problem. People are still fleeing from war-torn Syria and making their way to the Greek island of Lesbos where camps are overcrowded, conditions are poor and refugees don’t feel welcomed.

Heather Newgen Profile PhotoBy: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

“Children are being raped and assaulted. It is a mess. I sometimes I forget that I am in Europe,” one refugee revealed to me during an exclusive interview about the Moira Camp in Greece. Other reports of police beatings, knife attacks, fighting, people living among raw sewage and garbage are common. Asylum seekers are driven to suicide attempts and mental health issues due to the trauma they’re subject to and many feel like they’re in prison.

Refugees waiting in long lines inside the Moira Camp
Photo Courtesy of Ahmad, a refugee living in Moira Camp

According to the New York Times, the number of migrants entering Europe has fallen 90 percent, from 2015. However, because the European Union has responded to the crisis by closing several international borders, many refugees are stranded where they first made landfall and that’s Greece. So they wait two years in the camps before they are sent back or sent somewhere else.

RELATED: Moira Camp-A Look at What Life is Like for Syrian Refugees 

While there are aid workers on the ground, much more help is needed. Volunteers with various skills sets and professional backgrounds are welcome.  Below is a list of a few organizations you can volunteer with. At the time of this post the information is current. Over time the need for volunteers may change so please research the organizations in advance. At the end of the piece is a link with many more refugee volunteering projects.

ShowerPower–offers women and children a clean place to bathe (female volunteers only please)

Refugee 4 Refugees–Must be at least 23-years-old, have a driver’s license, know how to drive a stick shift car, and work long hours. https://refugee4refugees.org/volunteer/

Med’Equil Team–Doctors needed on the Greek island of Samos where refugees from the Vathy Camp are treated.

WaterShed–For those with construction, plumbing or engineer skills, WaterShed needs volunteers to help maintain buildings near the Moira Camp on Lesbos. The work will help improve the sanitation and living conditions for people living in Moira.

Action for Education–Needs experienced teachers for a six week minimum in Chios. To volunteer in Athens with this organization, there is a two month minimum requirement. They offer free shared accommodations for volunteers.

Mobile Info Team–The organization provides refugees with accurate information about their options and asylum procedures. They’re in need of a coordinator who has experience with fundraising, accounting, human resources and administration. Food and housing is covered by the organization. Three month minimum.

For more refugee volunteering opportunities in Greece click here.

Orphanages and the Crazy Cat Lady Syndrome

People often don’t think about it, but orphanages tend to have distinct personalities. Some great, many not so great, but every orphanage has its quirks, weirdness, and oddities. Not unlike many churches: the legalistic one, the liberal one, those crazy charismatics, the one with the GREAT coffee, etc. Just like people tend to land in gray or shifting categories: the jock, the musician, the quiet guy, the goth girl. I’m sure you get the idea.

By: DJ Schuetze

DJ Schuetze is the President of Door of Faith Orphanage: Changing lives through serving others; President of Strong Tower Ministries: Helping people fulfill their life’s purpose; Author of: Reciprocal Missions – Short-term Missions That Serve Everyone
DJ’s Amazon author’s page can be reached here: Amazon Authors

I’ve had the privilege to visit and/or help in a wide range of orphanages. The financially needy but well-run homes I love, the well funded but questionable homes are a big problem, the “family business” orphanages are hard to deal with, but the ones that are most frustrating are the “crazy cat lady orphanages.” The people with a big heart who can not say no to a child in need, they become overwhelmed, and everyone suffers. (In the future I might write more about the different styles of homes.)

 

Photo Courtesy of DJ Schuetze

I was talking with the leader of a national orphanage training organization, and I mentioned my observations. They smiled when I used the term “crazy cat lady,” they knew exactly what I was talking about. They responded, “Yup, and why is it always single females trying to save a hundred kids?” I had never noticed the single female part, but it was interesting that it wasn’t just me noticing this real problem in orphanages.

RELATED: Orphanage Tourism in Nepal: UNICEF Report

At first, most people would say, “Ahhh, sweet, what big hearts, they’ll help anyone.” But in reality, we all have limits; there is only so much any of us can do if we’re going to do it well. These homes are marked by the sheer number of kids they are trying to help, with little or no resources. One home in Tijuana had an odd reputation, the director had a huge heart, nice old lady, but she could not say “no” to anyone. She would take in any child brought to her. This sounds nice until you realize she didn’t have space, food, or staffing to care for the children she already had. She had resources for about 35 kids and usually housed 90. It was a nightmare. To make matters worse, if a women came to her from an abusive situation, she would “hire” the women to help care for the kids. Coming right out of abuse themselves, these women were not emotionally ready to care for 10,15, or 20 kids. These women could barely care for themselves. You see the problem.

 

Photo Courtesy of DJ Schuetze

Another time I was asked by a volunteer to consult with an orphanage about an hour away. She drove two other people and me into the hills of Tijuana, and we came up to a very sketchy area. We stopped and walked up to a three-story brick building that did not look too solid, with bars on the few windows it had. The building had one exit, one working toilet, the make-shift kitchen was on the first floor with the propane tank right next to the ancient stove (fire/death trap waiting to happen). I was given a tour and found about 50 children, filthy, lice-infested, no chance of an education. My first thought was, “These kids would be better off on the streets.” In speaking with the director, she said everything I feared: “I just can’t say no to a child in need.” “If only I had “X” I could do so much more.” She wasn’t asking for help with what she had; she wanted to build a huge building to care for 200 kids. The home had actually been shut down a few times by the government, but she kept moving to the next location and taking in new kids. Like a lady living with hundreds of cats, when the government removes the cats, a whole new crop shows up in the next few months. Crazy cat lady, but they hoard children instead of cats.

 

Photo Courtesy of DJ Schuetze

So what’s the point of discussing these challenging orphanages? Three points to consider:

1) Leadership matters. If someone has a big heart but does not have the skills to use it in the right way, it can lead to some complicated situations. Crazy cat lady orphanages are not run by bad people; they’re usually really great people, they just have some issues that get in the way of them being as effective as possible. Being truly self-aware is very rare, these people do not see the problems that are evident to all those around them. How we lead, and who we choose to follow, matters a great deal.

RELATED: I’d Rather Help Kids in America–My Country First

2) If you’re helping in orphanages, or another ministry, like the ones described here, please be open to discussing the issue with the director in a loving, biblical way. First on your own, then with someone else. They may not listen, but you have an obligation to approach the issue in a healthy way.

3) If you are the “Crazy cat lady” in your area of ministry, learn that it’s OK to say no sometimes – give yourself a break. We need to know our limits. Most people probably don’t do enough to help those around them which isn’t good but trying to help everyone can be just as big a problem. No one can help everyone; we’re not called to. No one person can help every homeless person in their city. No one person can care for every foster child, this is OK, do what you can. Jesus did not help everyone; He helped those He could. He spent time alone, and He did the will of His Father, that is all we are asked to do.

Help, serve, give all you can. But it’s crucial to understand there is a balance and it’s so important to know your limits. A few less cats is not a bad thing.

Steven Spielberg and USC Shoah Foundation Honor Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Honorees Rita Wilson (L) and Tom Hanks speak onstage during the Ambassadors For Humanity Gala Benefiting USC Shoah Foundation Honoring Rita Wilson And Tom Hanks at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images)

Fight on! Steven Spielberg, founder of USC Shoah Foundation – The Institute for Visual History and Education, and his wife Kate Capshaw presented Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks with the Institute’s 2018 Ambassadors for Humanity Award at the organization’s annual gala Monday night in Los Angeles. Comedian Martin Short hosted the event, which featured remarks from special guest Oprah Winfrey and a musical performance from Melissa Etheridge. Proceeds benefit USC Shoah Foundation and its Stronger Than Hate Initiative.
From education and the arts, to healthcare, women’s issues, underserved children and the needs of veterans and their families, Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks are champions of many vital efforts. They have been steadfast supporters of USC Shoah Foundation for more than two decades, helping to further the Institute’s mission to develop empathy, understanding and respect through eyewitness testimony.

 

 

 

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 05: (L-R) Kate Capshaw, Oprah Winfrey, and Steven Spielberg attend the Ambassadors For Humanity Gala Benefiting USC Shoah Foundation Honoring Rita Wilson And Tom Hanks at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.

The show began with a powerful introduction from Oprah Winfrey, who took time to acknowledge each of the honorees and the impactful work they’ve done to educate and inspire change in their communities. The night was filled with poignant moments and speeches, punctuated with humor from the evening’s host.

 

 

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 05: (L-R) Tom Ford, Oprah Winfrey, honorees Tom Hanks, and Rita Wilson attend the Ambassadors For Humanity Gala Benefiting USC Shoah Foundation Honoring Rita Wilson And Tom Hanks at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.

“Their commitment to veterans, in particular, dovetails with the Institute’s mission to give voice to the many men and women of World War II whose stories of heroism are represented in our Visual History Archive®,” Steven Spielberg said. “Rita and Tom quietly and consistently leverage their artistry and talents to inform and inspire positive change in the world.”

Wilson and Hanks’ acceptance speech offered thanks to their fellow honorees, along with their friends and hosts Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw. They stressed the necessity of organizations like the Shoah Foundation amidst the current political climate. “We don’t know what’s going to happen [on election day],” said Hanks, “but we do know that we have an engine, a motor, that gives us the guide to join in the mission of Shoah Foundation and form a more perfect union.”

 

 

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Tom Hanks (L) and Martin Short attend the Ambassadors For Humanity Gala Benefiting USC Shoah Foundation Honoring Rita Wilson And Tom Hanks at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images)

Of meeting the students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School before the ceremony, they said, “we wish we were not meeting them. We wish they were just anonymous kids from Parkland, Florida. But the fact that they are here and sharing their story by way of, and through, the Shoah Foundation, is just another testimony of their work and the extraordinary strength and courage of those students.”

The Ambassadors for Humanity event is a crucial part of the Institute’s efforts, helping to forge partnerships and to raise essential unrestricted funds that sustain the organization into the future.

The Gala’s call to action this year was USC Shoah Foundation’s Stronger Than Hate initiative, created by Steven Spielberg.  This effort dramatically scales the Institute’s proven testimony-based resources to meet the needs of educators on the front lines dealing with the rising crises of hatred.

 

 

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 05: (L-R) George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Rita Wilson, and Tom Hanks attend the Ambassadors For Humanity Gala Benefiting USC Shoah Foundation Honoring Rita Wilson And Tom Hanks at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.

Ivy Schamis, a Holocaust and social studies teacher from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, who uses the Institute’s IWitness educational platform in her classroom, received the organization’s inaugural Stronger Than Hate Educator Award at the event. She was joined by some of her students who were among the survivors of the Feb. 14, 2018, shooting at their school.

“Each of this year’s honorees embody USC Shoah Foundation’s mission of remembrance,” said Wanda M. Austin, interim president of the University of Southern California. “We were delighted to recognize Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, as well as Ivy Schamis, for their efforts to foster compassion and understanding. The Institute is an integral part of USC, and we are proud to join our trustee, Steven Spielberg, and Kate Capshaw in advancing its important work.”

 

 

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 05: (L-R) Mellody Hobson, George Lucas, Kate Capshaw, Steven Spielberg, Rita Wilson, and Tom Hanks attend the Ambassadors For Humanity Gala Benefiting USC Shoah Foundation Honoring Rita Wilson And Tom Hanks at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.

Stephen Smith, USC Shoah Foundation Finci-Viterbi Endowed Executive Director, lauded Schamis for her longstanding commitment to Holocaust education.

“Ivy is an inspirational educator who engages students to recognize injustices when they occur, and to become active participants in society,” he said. “Teachers like Ivy are at the forefront of our mission of teaching empathy and tolerance to future generations. It is an honor to share this special evening with her.”

 

 

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Oprah Winfrey attends the Ambassadors For Humanity Gala Benefiting USC Shoah Foundation Honoring Rita Wilson And Tom Hanks at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images)

About USC Shoah Foundation

USC Shoah Foundation—The Institute for Visual History and Educations develops empathy, understanding and respect through testimony, using its Visual History Archive of more than 55,000 video testimonies, award-winning IWitness education program, and Center for Advanced Genocide Research. USC Shoah Foundation’s interactive programming, research, and materials are accessed in museums and universities, cited by government leaders and NGOs, and taught in classrooms around the world. Now in its third decade, USC Shoah Foundation reaches millions of people each year on six continents from its home at the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences at the University of Southern California.

 

 

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Ron Howard (L) and Brian Grazer attend the Ambassadors For Humanity Gala Benefiting USC Shoah Foundation Honoring Rita Wilson And Tom Hanks at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.

About Stronger Than Hate

Stronger Than Hate is an initiative of USC Shoah Foundation that serves as a broad, proactive, actionable response to the rising crises of hatred. It reaches educators, students, policy makers, influencers, and the public at large via schools, universities, communities, and boardrooms, both virtually and in person, and around the world. Stronger Than Hate focuses resources and leverages partnerships to strengthen and unify people against hate. USC Shoah Foundation, as a global leader in testimony-driven, transformational learning, is uniquely positioned to impact an essential and growing audience in their struggle to become Stronger Than Hate.

Leave a comment

Moria Camp – A Look at What Life is Like for Syrian Refugees in Greece

In his temporary home inside the Moria Camp, Ahmad struggles to find room in a small tent where 10 others are stacked side by side. He lies awake most nights, too afraid to sleep. “Children are being raped and assaulted. It is a mess. I sometimes I forget that I am in Europe,” he revealed. Ahmad has no personal belongings, no job and no hope. He’s been on the Greek island of Lesvos for almost two years now, living in the Moria Camp. This is his story.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

In 2015 Europe experienced an influx of people escaping war-torn Syria and Ahmad, whose last name will not be used for safety reasons, was one of the millions who fled his country. In an exclusive interview with The Voluntourist, Ahmad details his experience as a Syrian refugee and what his daily life is like inside Greece’s Moria Camp.

The Voluntourist: Why did you leave Syria?

Ahmad: I left Syria because of the war. I am a young man and if I did not leave than they will take me to join the army with [the] government or with groups against government. I don’t like fighting or war. I want to live in peace. I don’t want to be part of corruption or killing and I don’t want this to be in my heart that I do something bad. I have relatives maybe there, but I have no connection to anyone in Syria. The electricity comes and go. [The] last time I speak to family [was] maybe four months ago. I don’t know what happen to them now if they have no phone anymore or if something happened to them I really don’t know. I left my country in 2016. I left with my young brother and my cousin from my father’s side. The rest of my family is gone.

The Voluntourist: How long how you been in Greece?

Ahmad: I arrived in Greece beginning of 2017.

The Voluntourist: How many people are at the Moria Camp?

Ahmad: I hear now there is maybe 8,000 people in the Moria Camp, but I don’t know for sure.

The Voluntourist: Are people able to leave the camp freely? Can they come and go as they please?

Ahmad: We can leave camp freely. It is 1 euro to take bus to the city because there is nothing next to Moria Camp. People don’t always go outside Moria Camp because it is 1 euro going and 1 euro to come back. We receive 90 euro [a month] so only imagine if we go out every day.  It is 60 euro a month for travel.

The Voluntourist: Is there school for the kids?

Ahmad: There is no school for children, but now there is NGO in Moria Camp for children. They do one hour of learning.

The Voluntourist: What do people do all day since they can’t work and there’s no school?

Ahmad: How we spend our day if no work and no school available we are waiting. I give you example of what I mean. We are very bored. We have nothing to do. What we do is we stand in line, any line. Morning wake up at 5:00am or 6:00am so [we] have time to stand in line for breakfast. We wait one or two hours for food in [the] food line. Maybe at 10:00am we line up to go see doctor. There are showers in Moria but it is very busy. Sometimes it takes me four hours to wait to shower. Sometimes I can’t because it’s too busy. It is not a good showers, [they are] very dirty. But the Greek cleaning come and do good job to clean, but it gets dirty so fast because there’s too many people in the camp. We wait in line for hours then we go back to line for lunch. After [we] go to see a lawyer and ask questions. Sometimes we ask questions not important, but we just want a change because we [are] bored. Our whole life in Moria is waiting in line. It has too many people in the camp.

 

Refugees waiting in long lines inside the Moria Camp
Photo by: Ahmad

The Voluntourist: What are the conditions like in the Moria Camp?

Ahmad: Very bad. I don’t know why I am still here. Everyone else who came the same time as me has left. I am the only one, me and my brother. My brother is 19 I am 25. The food is bad. The conditions are bad. I live in a tent outside of Moria in the Olive Grove area. This place is really bad because in the winter it rains a lot. My tent is all water and also it is cold and windy. In my tent there is 10 people with me inside. The tent is not big we sometime sleep side by side. I am waiting for my decision but I don’t have paperwork from my doctor. I try to speak to a psychiatrist, but he does not give me appointment. He keeps postponing every time I go to him. There is fighting, a lot of fighting in camp. People I know who come at first are very good people never do drugs or bad things. But being here a long time, it makes you crazy. You feel like prisoner. You start doing bad things, maybe drugs. Many of my friends do drugs because they want to forget. There is fighting always between groups Afghan, Arab, always fights. At night time no organization in Moria. I try to go to the city because Moria at night is scary [and] problems happen a lot. At night if I am in Moria Camp I will be not sleeping maybe until 4:00am because I feel afraid to sleep in Moria because of fighting or because of problems. I sleep with my money in my underwear because I am afraid. People here are desperate. Sometimes people maybe can come to your tent with a knife and say give me all your money. I hear this happen a lot. For me it never happen, but I am afraid of this. This once happen to my friend. A group come in with knife they say give me everything. They beat my friend. My friend went to the UN and tell police but nothing happen. They said sorry we can’t help you. when I go to lawyer lawyer says UN should protect you. I go to the UN and they say no sorry. Everywhere I go I hear the word “sorry.” “Sorry we can’t help you.” “Sorry you must wait.” “Sorry this is how Greece is”. “Sorry Moria Camp is a bad representation of Europe.” I am sure everything in Moria Camp is not so good. Not so legal.

 

A tent outside the Moria Camp in Lesvos, Greece where refugees stay
Photo by: Ahmad

The Voluntourist: How are you treated by locals in Greece?

Ahmad: Very bad. A lot of bad looks and people not smiling. When they see refugees they look angry. They say, “why you here.” I try to go get haircut in city the man said to me, “no you need documents to cut hair.” The police are very not nice to us. One time I walking next to the taxi [and the] taxi man say to another taxi, “this boy steal from your taxi.” I said, “no I did not steal.” They called the police and the police come and humiliate me. I say, “I did not steal. Look at the camera because there camera on street and [you’ll] see I did not steal.” The police, said, “okay go go.” He did not say sorry of accusing me of doing something I didn’t do, but some locals are nice. They care and try to help, but sometimes I feel like they think we ruined their country.

The Voluntourist: You said you’re given 90 euros a month. Who gives it to you?

Ahmad: It is from UN. We register every month for cash assistance program. If you forget to sign up you lose your money for next month. You must sign up the start of every month. The Greek government doesn’t give any money to refugees.

 

An entrance to Moria Camp
Photo by: Ahmad

The Voluntourist: I understand all of the money goes towards your medication. What medication are you taking and are you getting proper medical attention?

Ahmad: I have to take medication for my stomach. I have a problem where I can’t eat food [with] spice or with rice or with bread. I have [an] extremely sensitive stomach. I take medication for this problem, but I must buy my own meals to cook because I can’t eat the food in the Moria Camp. The food is very unhealthy for me. It has a lot of salt, rice and pasta. I also take medication for my bad thoughts. I think a lot [about] the things I see in my country and people dying. Sometimes I can’t sleep. Sometimes I want to cry because I want to forget. I take this medication because it makes me relax. I couldn’t see a doctor in the camp because appointment always is postponed so I had to pay 50 euros to see a private doctor in the city. He prescribed me this medication.

The Voluntourist: I also understand you were selling coffee to earn an extra income and the Greek police stopped you from doing so. Why?

Ahmad: The police stopped me because it is illegal to work and not pay taxes. Also because it’s a health code violation. I wish I could work and pay taxes, but no one wants to give me a job. But you know why I am sad? I am sad because they say this is illegal, but the Moria camp is not illegal? Moria camp is of course against all laws and there is no health code here.

The Voluntourist: What do you want people to know about refugees in Greece, the Moria Camp and your situation?

Ahmad: It is very hard in Greece it is very hard. Greece is a beautiful country but not all the people are beautiful. People can be very racist here. They get angry fast, especially the police. They are violent you know when I see the police here I feel the same scary feeling I have when I see army in Syria. It is sad because police is supposed to protect me and others, but it is the opposite here. They see us in a bad way always. I want people to know that yes we left the war and we reached Europe, but it doesn’t mean we are okay. In fact the situation here makes anyone not be able to heal. There are people who have PTSD and anxiety nightmares and they get no help no medical help. Children are being raped and assaulted. It is a mess. I sometimes I forget that I am in Europe.

The Voluntourist: What can others to do help you?

Ahmad: Just to be aware to know that refugees are more than refugees. To realize that we are humans that we are desperate to live. That we want to build ourselves, that we don’t want to always be charity, that we want to accomplish and be proud of ourselves. I want people to help fight for our rights. To let Greece realize we are humans, to realize that if they were in our situation they will also want to open up coffee shops and open up barber shops. They are trying to have some sort of reality here. They want to feel normal or occupy their time. Imagine being in Moria camp 24/7 and not know when you get out. There is nothing to do. Of course you want to try to make something of yourself or you want to do something like work. When a person is sitting for hours and days and months and years doing nothing they will feel useless they will feel they don’t do anything. But being able to work or feel like you are working allows you to feel like you are doing something to support yourself and your family, that you are fighting and you are not giving up.

   /   /    /   /    /  
Leave a comment

Pharrell Gives Passionate Speech at Friends of Israel Defense Forces Gala

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Pharrell Williams performs Friends of The Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Western Region Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 1, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Shahar Azran/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Pharell Williams

Pharrell Williams is not one to shy away from controversial topics or expressing how he feels about hot button issues. At the annual Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) gala in Los Angeles, the singer made a surprise appearance and performed his hits on stage. But before belting out “Blurred Lines,” “Get Lucky” and “Happy,” the former Voice coach delivered an emotional speech about the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh that left 11 people dead.

“If I’m going to be here singing for you guys tonight, I have to say what I have to say. What happened at that synagogue was incredibly cruel and it’s wrong,” Pharrell told the A-list crowd, which included Ashton Kutcher, Gerard Butler, Andy Garcia, Brian Grazer, Fran Drescher, David Foster, Katherine McPhee, Ziggy Marley and more.

The 2018 FIDF Los Angeles Annual Gala Dinner. Photos by Alexi Rosenfeld

He added, “Generations after generations are tested, but you guys show incredible resilience and I wish that for all people, not just your people, but all people. We all deserve that. That’s not a political thing, that’s what humanity deserves. We deserve to pay attention to the human condition. I don’t know how popular this is, but there just shouldn’t be fighting. Abraham was the father of many nations, not just one. There should not be brother against brother. I just want to say that”.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Pharell Williams performs Friends of The Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Western Region Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 1, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Shahar Azran/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Pharell Williams

Pharrell noted that his next song is to remind everyone that everything will be okay and said, “I believe that there’s a God and I think that God is the greatest,” before singing “Happy.”

Haim Saban, who introduced Pharrell on stage, and his wife, Cheryl chaired the star-studded gala for the 13th year, which raised a staggering $60 million dollars! The organization offers educational, cultural, recreational, and social programs and facilities that provide hope, purpose, and life-changing support for the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide. FIDF proudly supports Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, families of fallen soldiers, and wounded veterans through a variety of innovative programs and capital projects. FIDF is a non-political, non-military organization that does not and never has provided any form of military aid.

Lt. Noam and Ashton Kutcher, credit FIDF

ABOUT FRIENDS OF ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES

The organization was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization with the mission of offering educational, cultural, recreational, and social programs and facilities that provide hope, purpose, and life-changing support for the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide. Today, FIDF has more than 150,000 loyal supporters, and 20 chapters throughout the U.S. and Panama. FIDF proudly supports IDF soldiers, families of fallen soldiers, and wounded veterans through a variety of innovative programs that reinforce the vital bond between the communities in the United States, the soldiers of the IDF, and the state of Israel. For more information, please visit: www.fidf.org.

Leave a comment

Sahara Desert Trek-The Good, Bad and the Ugly

Sahara Desert trek–As a seasoned traveler there are certain things that become second nature to you. You know what time you really need to leave for the airport, how much you actually need to pack and who you can trust along your travels. But even those with the greatest instincts and common sense can slip up every now and then, which is what happened to me.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

Anthony Bourdain once said, “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart,” and he was right. While my adventures may seem like they’re carefully curated and crafted to capture an Instagram worthy shot highlighting my fantastical journeys, it’s not always fun. Sadly this was the case with my Sahara Desert trek in Morocco. It started off amazing, but didn’t end so great. Let me back up to the beginning so you fully understand the circumstances.

Sahara Desert Trek

Heather Newgen in the Sahara Desert Photo by Jenny Karakaya

A tour company run by a Moroccan nomad named Hafid reached out to me through The Voluntourist’s Instagram account inviting me to do a Sahara Desert trek. The trip sounded like a dream. Not only would I learn more about the nomadic culture and experience an authentic Sahara Desert trek with them, I’d visit a school that was started just for nomad children who can’t have a formal education due to their lifestyle.

As a reporter, my mind immediately began thinking about the coverage I could give this school and the unique insight I could share about their lives. I was so intrigued and in all my travels never I have done anything close to this. So of course I had to do it. I was asked to bring a photographer and the deal was we pay for our everything from our flights to Marrakesh, accommodations, food in the city, and transportation to Zagora, which is about seven to eight hours away from Marrakech.

Sahara Desert Trek

Zagora Photo by Jenny Karakaya

However, once we arrived to Zagora, we could stay at Hafid’s brother’s house at no cost for a night before heading to the desert, which was another three hour road trip. Then for the three days and two nights we were on the Sahara Desert trek, the expenses would be covered. That included three meals a day and a tent to camp. I was so excited about the opportunity so whatever it took I was going.

Sahara Desert Trek

Our camp in the Sahara Desert Photo by Jenny Karakaya

For weeks I messaged with Hafid. He was sweet, communicative and always responsive. At no time did I ever think this was a scam, nor did I feel uncomfortable. I listened to my gut and I didn’t have any weird vibes. When we would message it was strictly business.

So I asked Jenny Karakaya, a photographer friend of mine, to join me and made the arrangements. We couldn’t wait to embark on this adventure and couldn’t stop talking about how incredible it was going to be.

Sahara Desert Trek

From left to right Jenny Karakaya and Heather Newgen

About three weeks before the trip, Julie, a girlfriend of mine from Orange County, Calif., decided to come along. While she was looking forward to traveling to Morocco for the first time, she was really interested in the school and how she could help the students. After getting the okay from Hafid, she booked her flight and met us in Marrakech.

Hafid was wonderful in helping set up the details. He had taxis meet us at the airport and made reservations at a hotel he suggested. One thing to take note of is that you need cash in Morocco. Most places don’t take cards and you can’t bring or take Moroccan Dirhams, which is their currency, in or out of the country. So you can exchange money at the airport and pull cash out of ATMs.

Sahara Desert Trek

Sahara Desert Photo by Jenny Karakaya

Everything went smoothly and the next morning our driver Ibrahim arrived promptly to pick us up. Along the way to the Sahara Desert trek we stopped for lunch at a place he chose. It was a small run down restaurant on the side of the road that served tagine, a traditional Moroccan dish with couscous and vegetables or meat.

There were a few tables outside with flies swarming around. The restrooms were literally holes in the ground and there was a prayer room off to the side (Morocco is a Muslim country so it’s typical to have rooms like this since they’re called to prayer five times a day). It was a place you wouldn’t look twice at, much less stop to eat, but since Ibrahim recommended it, we went. And we were glad we did. The food was absolutely delicious and it was nice to enjoy a hot meal after being in the car for so long.

Ibrahim said it was better if he paid for lunch because he would get a deal if he ordered. We thought it was so nice of him to look out for us and agreed to pay him back when we got to Zagora. After we ate we hit the road again bracing for another long drive, but Ibrahim said he was told I wanted to visit the Kasbah. I had no idea what that was, nor do I recall saying that. He asked me a few times if I wanted to go and was persistent about it. While we were all exhausted we decided to check it out.

Sahara Desert Trek

The Kasbah

The Kasbah turned out to be a beautiful old fortress and it seemed like a fun touristy thing to do. However, we wanted to be mindful of Ibrahim’s time and felt bad that the drive was so long. He was older and had an open wound of his foot that had swollen significantly. Not once did he complain, but I noticed it right away.

So we literally stayed for 10 minutes and ran back to the car. After experiencing an unexpected flash flood that left us stranded for a couple of hours, we finally made it to Zagora almost 12 hours later. Dinner was waiting for us and Ibrahim joined us for the meal. Afterwards we paid him, but not the amount we initially agreed on, which was $128 one way. We were charged $25.00 for one tagine and two bottles of water at lunch and then another $25.00 to stop at the Kasbah.

Now we have no problems paying the amount, but $25.00 USD for a vegetarian tagine, was ridiculous. I wouldn’t pay that in LA. I guess Ibrahim was charged a tourist price after all. It should have been $5.00 tops. And we had no idea that there was additional fee to stop a few minutes at the Kasbah. We weren’t told in advance. It wasn’t the money we cared about, but we only had a certain amount of cash on us. We also knew we were being taken advantage of a bit, but didn’t say anything partly because that amount wasn’t worth arguing over and because I know how much he needed it. Westerners always pay more than locals and that’s okay with me. It’s still much less than we’d pay in the states–well except for a tagine! We paid and left the driver a very generous tip of $80.00.

It was then that Julie realized she was missing 500 MAD, which is about $50.00. She was so exhausted from traveling she thought she dropped it somewhere. She dismissed it quickly and we all went to bed.

The next day we finally made it to the Sahara desert. A different driver took us from Zagora to meet Hafid and I was so thrilled to see him in person. He was just how I imagined, a bit shy, very respectful and really accommodating.

Sahara Desert Trek

Sahara Desert Photo by Jenny Karakaya

For two days we walked for hours in the desert sun with camels in tow, took in the gorgeous scenery, shared delicious meals together, camped under the bright starry stars, laughed, sang songs and had the best time. It was honestly one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. I loved every minute with Hafid and his nomad team. They treated us like family and we didn’t want our time with them to end. It was magical on so many levels.

Sahara Desert Trek

Heather Newgen in the Sahara Desert. Photo by Jenny Karakaya

On the way back to Marrakesh Ibrahim was our driver again. He took us to the same place for lunch for the same price of $25.00 for the tagine. When we got to the riad, where we were staying, we offered him a place for the night. We had an extra room so it was no problem at all.  After driving all day to Marrakesh, he was going back to Zagora that night and we were worried for his safety, but he declined.

When we went to pay him I realized I was missing money from my purse. Julie looked in her wallet and she was missing money as well. We knew exactly how much cash we had because we gave the nomads all of our money on the Sahara Desert trek as a tip.  We had Ibrahim take us to an ATM in Zagora and we didn’t spend a dime, so there was no reason for to not have the amount of money we pulled out.

It was at that moment we knew Ibrahim had stolen from us. He was the only one who had access to our belongings. The only time we didn’t have our purses was when we stopped to use the restroom on the way back from the Sahara Desert trek. We were gone less than 10 minutes, but Julie and I left our purses behind on the backseat in the taxi. We admit we were completely careless. Obviously we shouldn’t of done that and we take full responsibility for it. It was such a stupid thing to do and we own it. But that doesn’t mean you can steal from us.

Jenny had her money with her at all times so she wasn’t missing anything. We confronted Ibrahim and of course he denied it. Julie was so angry she was shaking. She realized she didn’t lose money on the way to the desert, he took it. I was so freaked out by the situation. The illusion of Ibrahim as this sweet grandfatherly type was shattered and I didn’t want him in our riad. So Jenny and I paid him because we wanted him to leave. Julie refused, which I don’t blame her. He was $50 short, but he stole $175 from us, plus overcharged us for meals so he made out as far as we were concerned.

Sahara Desert Trek

Heather Newgen enjoying breakfast on the final day of the Sahara Desert adventure. Photo by Jenny Karakaya

I immediately messaged Hafid and explained what happened fully expecting his support. However, I was so taken back when I got his response. He didn’t believe Ibrahim stole from us. Apparently he called Hafid and told him we said they stole it, which was not true.

For hours I tried to convince Hafid I wasn’t lying and that I had nothing to gain from this situation. Why would I pay for myself to come to Morocco and accuse a driver of taking money from me? We were happy to pay for our expenses. But he didn’t believe the driver was a thief and said he was the one in a bad situation because he had to pay the remaining amount. I told him not to and didn’t understand why he would because the money he took from us more than covered the $128 fare. Not to mention we overtipped him on the way to Zagora, so there was no reason to pay him the $50.00.Sahara Desert Finally Hafid said he couldn’t talk about it anymore because he was too upset and asked me not to post photos of him or the nomads from our Sahara Desert trek. He also said he didn’t want me to write about the school or our trip.

I was crushed because we had a spectacular journey with the nomads and wanted to share our experience with others. I really wanted to write about the school and let people know about the inspiring things Hafid was doing to empower his community as well. In addition, we offered to give them hundreds of our photos from the Sahara Desert trek for their social media to help grow their following and business. But, he said he no longer wanted the images either.

Sahara Desert Trek

Sahara Desert Photo by Jenny Karakaya

While what happened is not Hafid’s fault, he did refuse to believe his clients and that’s a problem. We didn’t call the police or ask for the money back because we didn’t want to cause trouble for them. We just wanted to make Hafid aware of the incident and we didn’t want this to happen to anyone else.

Instead we were met with hostility and anger. However, I truly thought once things calmed down, Hafid would want me to write about our trip, but that apparently isn’t the case. I reached out to him a few weeks later letting him know I’d be happy to write about the school and the Sahara Desert trek, but he ghosted me. No response.

Sahara Desert Trek

Nomad school in the Sahara Desert Photo by Jenny Karakaya

So there will sadly be no article on this school the nomads started to help the kids in the desert. And there won’t be a piece about how fantastic my Sahara Desert trek adventure was.

Although I felt very violated, I do understand why Ibrahim stole from us. I’m sure he doesn’t make much money and what little he has, he provides for his family. The sore on his foot looked terrible so I hope he uses what he stole for medical care. I do have a harder time understanding Hafid’s reaction, but I’ve moved past the situation and have forgiven anyone involved. I don’t care about the money, I cared about the nomads and wanted to help them. It’s unfortunate the way it turned out, but I would still recommend Hafid’s tour company. You won’t have a better time with anyone else on a Sahara Desert trek. But just make sure Ibrahim isn’t your driver and don’t ever leave your purse with someone you don’t know.

Sahara Desert Trek

Sahara Desert Photo by Jenny Karakaya

I will never forget the Sahara Desert for all it’s good, bad and the ugly and that’s okay. Sometimes you need a kick in the you know what to realize what a dumb thing you’ve done. It could have been worse. Our passports weren’t stolen and our credit cards weren’t touched, but this was a great reminder of what could have happened and what not to do again.

The last part of Bourdain’s quote is also right and while this trip was unforgettable for many reasons, the journey did change me and for that I’m grateful.

“The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”

Leave a comment

Poznań, Poland is the Perfect Day Trip from Berlin

Poznań is one of the largest and oldest cities in Poland, and surprisingly still under the radar with travelers. However, after experiencing its beauty and uniqueness, there’s no doubt tourists will soon be overrunning it. So go now!

 

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

Located between Berlin and Warsaw, Poznań is known for its Renaissance style buildings and remarkable charm. The city has a 1000-year-old history and played a significant religious and political role during the 10th century. As you wander through the vibrant cobblestone streets, the European city has an exciting antiquated feeling that’s vividly present. Poznań is distinctive in the sense that tradition and history are interwoven with modernity offering interesting attractions and idyllic hideaways.

One of the most popular places to see is the Old Market Square. There you’ll find cafes, bars and shops buzzing with the friendly locals. Make sure to be there at noon and mull around the Town Hall. Every day at that time the clock strikes and two mechanical billy goats come out butting heads 12 times–a tradition since 1551. Legend has it a celebratory elaborate feast was prepared for the town’s esteemed guests. However, the chef burnt the roast to a crisp, which was the main dish. In a desperate move to save the festive occasion, he stole two billy goats from a nearby meadow, but that didn’t work out so well for him either.

Town Hall

They escaped and were found butting heads in front of the Town Hall. The mayor was rather amused by the incident and ordered two billy goats be added to the clock. They’ve been battling it out center stage ever since. You could easily spend an entire day at the Old Market Square, but if you have limited time, make sure to explore the other must see places in Poznań. The Fara Church is around the corner from the square and is strikingly breathtaking. You could also spend countless hours admiring the baroque gold decor, ornate high ceilings and detailed statues. The 1600s pink facade Catholic church does have guided tours, so if you some time you can schedule one.

RELATED: Potsdam Day Trip from Berlin

Other Places to See in Poznań

–Old Brewery 50 50

–Cathedral Island

–Citadel Park

–Imperial Castle

–Poznań National Museum where you can see Claude Monet – “La plage à Pourville, soleil couchant” (“Beach in Pourville”). It was stolen in 2000, but recovered and returned to the museum in 2010.

Poznań is easily accessible by bus, plane or train, which is what I took from Berlin. It was about $90 each way and was six hours roundtrip, but so worth the price and long day. The city can be seen in a day, but if you can stay overnight, you can enjoy the nightlife, which is something I didn’t have time for.

 

Heather Newgen in Poznań

Keep in mind you can’t use Euros so make sure to bring a credit card or exchange money.  In my experience not as many locals spoke English as they did in Berlin. However, it’s still easy to communicate with people. Also you don’t need your passport to enter from Berlin by train. But there were random passport checks on the train by German authorities so have it with you just in case.

You should absolutely add Poznań to your list of must see places. The city contains an impressive amount of history to soak up and learn about. But, even if that’s not your thing, the architecture, food and lively atmosphere is reason enough to go.

Leave a comment